Ministers and high-level representatives from APEC economies issued a joint statement at the inaugural APEC High-Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries.
Held in Gyeongju and chaired by Chae Hwi-young, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Republic of Korea, the meeting marked a milestone as the first-ever high-level gathering on cultural and creative industries in APEC.
The statement recognizes the growing economic and social contributions of cultural and creative industries (CCIs), underscoring their role in creating jobs, expanding opportunities for trade, driving innovation, and fostering mutual understanding across the Asia-Pacific. It highlights the sector's potential to strengthen people-to-people connectivity and preserve cultural heritage while embracing new technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Officials emphasized three key areas of cooperation: connecting economies through CCIs as a catalyst for trade and collaboration; fostering innovation by harnessing digital tools and AI; and advancing prosperity by supporting education, training and participation in CCIs.
Read the full 2025 APEC High Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries Statement
Also read the Chair's Statement on the 2025 APEC High Level Dialogue on Cultural and Creative Industries
